USM

Heritage

USM was founded in 1885 as a locksmith and metalworking business in Münsingen near Bern, Switzerland. The name combines the initials of founder Ulrich Schärer with the initial of Münsingen. In the early 20th century the company began making window fittings and later produced architectural ornamental hinges and precision sheet-metal work.

Philosophy

USM describes itself as a family company now run by the fourth generation, whose DNA is timeless design, high-quality materials, flexibility and durability. Its core belief is that work and home environments should adapt to any change: products assembled from standardised modular parts can be extended and reconfigured continuously. Swiss-made precision and reliability are central — every door hinge, for example, is tested through 40,000 opening cycles.

Iconic Works

In 1961 Paul Schärer Jr. joined the company and asked the Swiss architect Fritz Haller to design a new factory and office building. From 1962 the two developed a modular furniture system for USM's own offices; the final design and the patented ball joint date to 1965. After an order of 600 workstations from Banque Rothschild in Paris, USM Haller went on sale in 1969. It was recognised as a work of applied art in 1988 and entered the permanent collection of MoMA in 2001. Later lines include USM Kitos desks, USM Haller E (2017) and USM Haller Soft Panel (2026).

Today

Alexander Schärer, who joined in 1993, has led USM as CEO since 2000. All USM products are made at the factory in Münsingen. USM has subsidiaries in the USA, France, Germany, the UK, Japan and China, and its products are sold through around 900 sales partners in 70 countries as well as official online shops. USM Haller and USM Kitos M are Cradle to Cradle certified, and the company aims to become fully circular by 2030.